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J is for Job You've heard the horror stories, now here's the reality: Teaching jobs still exist, and finding one isn't as hard as you think. You just have to know where to look. More...

Photo by Bob Riha, Jr.

Also in this story... Top 20 Jobs Job Search Savy Statistics for Survival Top 10 Average Teacher Salaries Top 10 Beginning Teacher Salaries

by Kristen Loschert

OK, what gives? For more than a decade, school districts, the media, and even your Association have told you there is a teacher shortage. But now all you hear about are teacher layoffs and school budget cuts.

So, where did all the jobs go?

That's a question Amy Simmons wishes she could answer. After she graduated from North Dakota's Minot State University in 2001, Simmons began substitute teaching because of the lack of full-time positions. A year later, her dream came true when she landed a job teaching third grade at a school in Minot.

Her dream job quickly turned into budget crunch reality, however, when she found herself without a permanent assignment the following spring. Facing a declining student population, Simmons' district consolidated three schools into one and reduced the staff, starting with the least experienced teachers, like Simmons.

"It's so frustrating when teaching kids is what you know you were meant to do," says Simmons, who substitute teaches and bartends to get by. "It's an absolute roller coaster of emotions. You never know what's going to happen. Is a job going to come along?"

While Simmons' case is extreme, it certainly isn't unique. However, the job market for teachers has hardly dried up. A demand still exists in most subject areas and in many parts of the country. But finding your ideal job—whether you're fresh out of school or midway through your career—requires some research and flexibility.

Budget Cut Blitz

Understanding where the job market has been—and where it's going—is a good place to start. Despite what you've heard, the teacher shortage isn't just some urban legend. There really was one back in the 1990s. With a thriving economy—and a rallying stock market—many educators left the profession to snap up higher paying jobs in private industry. At the same time, school districts offered attractive retirement incentives, which encouraged many educators to cash in their mutual funds and leave the profession early. Consequently, by 2001, the "peak" for the shortage, most education fields desperately needed teachers, while others experienced what's called a "balanced demand"—meaning there was an equal number of job candidates and job openings.

That's the finding of the American Association for Employment in Education (AAEE), which annually evaluates the supply and demand for educators in 64 different administrative and teaching fields based on surveys of college career centers and teacher education programs.

During the last two years, however, the market has softened a bit, says B.J. Bryant, executive director of AAEE. While almost all education fields faced shortages just a few years ago, only 26 face them today, and seven have some surplus. But that doesn't mean there are plenty of new teachers to go around.

"There's no huge new supply," says Bryant. "It's not like there is this bulge of teacher education students available."

It's simply the economic times, she says.

States and local communities are struggling with the worst budget shortfalls they've seen since the 1940s. And, in the name of penny pinching, schools have cut extracurricular activities and enrichment classes, purchased fewer school supplies, postponed maintenance projects, and increased class sizes. But they haven't stopped there. They've also terminated teachers and staff—more than 10,000 of them by some estimates—forcing record numbers of experienced educators back into the market. (And more layoffs could be in the future.)

On top of that, increasing federal mandates have put the squeeze on schools. With new demands to meet—and few dollars to meet them—many districts have tightened their purse strings. And that, says Bryant, has left little money to hire new teachers or fill existing vacancies. "If a school district had all the money it needed, we'd be right back to the shortages of 2001," she says.

Financial pressures have forced many teachers to delay their retirements, as well, which means fewer positions have opened up for new grads and new job seekers.

But, no one can teach forever. And states like California, for instance, still face a major turnover in staff within the next decade.

"We still have a need for teachers," says Gail Watts, of the California Teachers Association (CTA). "Fifty-four percent of CTA members are over 42 years old and a third are over 50. So in terms of retirements in the next 10 years, we will need to replace those teachers in the classroom."

Where the Jobs Are

But what if you need a job today or just want a change? Where should you look?

Major teacher shortages still exist in special education, math, the sciences, English as a Second Language, and some foreign languages like Spanish, according to AAEE. That's good news for student teachers like Amanda Macdonald, a sophomore chemistry major at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania.

"I'm probably not as worried about finding a job, but more finding a job that I will be happy with or finding a job in a state that I will be happy with, not having to settle," she says.

Fortunately, educators in shortage areas have that luxury, says Bryant. These teachers still need to complete a diligent job search, but they can spend more time searching for the right job in the right school for them.

High-demand subjects also offer opportunities for experienced educators looking for a career change.

Take Jeff Teixeira, for instance, a Portuguese bilingual educator in Massachusetts who recently received his certification in middle school science. Although many states desperately need bilingual educators, Massachusetts isn't one of them. In November 2002, state voters approved a measure that replaces bilingual education programs with English-immersion classes. Teixeira's class at King Open School in Cambridge is one of only a handful that survived the new law's implementation. And it's the only non-Spanish bilingual program left in the state.

Teixeira could see the writing on the wall. So, when enrollments in his school district started to decline, he knew he needed a change.

"It's not that I dislike what I'm doing, there just isn't a lot of future in it," says Teixeira, a 21-year teaching veteran. "And I don't think it will be around very long."

On the bright side, the change gave him the chance to pursue a lifelong interest in science, he says, and he's currently looking for a new position in his school district—which he figures isn't a bad idea given the demand for science teachers generally.

"Who knows, I may be able to convince people that what we need is a Portuguese science teacher at my school," he says.

Meanwhile, educators looking to teach kindergarten, dance, social studies, health, or physical education face a more difficult job search because these areas already have a surplus of candidates.

"Some of my classmates are already teachers and they are saying they can't find a job because nobody is hiring," says Monica Masino, a doctoral student at Argosy University in California, who wants to teach the social sciences. "I think I will be able to find a job after graduation, but I know it will be challenging in the beginning."

The outlook isn't much better for teachers already in the profession. Aaron Cooke, a social studies teacher in Oregon, has been laid off twice in two years. After his first job loss, Cooke relocated to Lebanon, Oregon, 200 miles away from his home in the southern part of the state. Then, last spring, Cooke felt the ax again and found himself—and his house—back on the market.

Cooke spent the entire summer looking for a job and finally received an offer to return to his old position at Lebanon High School. With few other prospects, Cooke accepted it.

"There really is not a shortage of social studies instructors in Oregon," he says. "There is a surplus, so you are looking at a very large pool to choose from. It's very competitive."

Attending job fairs and working with college career centers can help educators locate the vacancies, especially if they want to teach in one of the more competitive subject areas, says Bryant of AAEE. That advice holds true whether you've been teaching for 2 years or 20. College career centers can help veteran educators learn the most current job-hunting techniques and update their résumés. Many also have agreements with universities nationwide and will connect you with local resources if you no longer live near your alma mater.

Educators can maximize their job opportunities by looking outside their region and state as well, because finding the perfect job often comes down to one thing: location, location, location.

Urban and rural areas still have a great need for educators, says Bryant. States in the South such as Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas also have some shortages, she adds.

Meanwhile, states in the Midwest and Northeast, which have a large number of teacher colleges and, consequently, plenty of new graduates, generally have an overabundance of teachers.

That's what worries Rena McCartney, a graduate student at Edinboro University in Pennsylvania.

"A lot of my friends who are out there now found themselves having to move extremely far away for the job opportunities," says McCartney, an aspiring elementary school teacher. "I'm concerned that if I don't find any jobs available within a few hours of home, I'm going to have to move out of state, which I would be willing to do if I had to, but it would not be my first choice."

McCartney's sentiments are not unusual. More than 75 percent of teacher education graduates take a job within 50 miles of their hometown or the college from which they graduated, according to Bill Loadman, associate dean for research at Ohio State University. And once they get those jobs, they tend to stay put. Only about 7 percent of teachers changed schools or school districts during the 2000–01 school year, according to the National Commission on Teaching and America's Future. If they do move, very few teachers go out of state. (Less than 30 percent of teachers have taught in two or more states, according to NEA's Status of the American Public School Teacher 2000–2001 report.)

Taking A Leap: Moving

But, if they live in a tight market, educators should keep an open mind about geography. That's a reality Brandi Davis knows all too well.

When the middle school teacher was laid off from her school in Elgin, Illinois, in April 2003, she tried to find a position in a nearby district, but without much success. Once she expanded her search statewide—and attended a job fair at Northern Illinois University—Davis discovered more options. She ended up with several job offers, including one from Brookwood Middle School in Glenwood, Illinois, located about an hour and a half from Elgin, which she accepted.

Although the layoff was difficult, and her move unexpected, Davis enjoys her new position. Plus, it comes with some perks her previous position lacked: a smaller class size and the opportunity to pursue her master's degree on the district's dime.

"I always heard that teaching positions were the most stable positions in the world, but I've learned that is not always the case," says Davis, a sixth-grade science and language arts teacher. "But if you are persistent, then you can find a job. You just have to keep working at it."

More often than not, though, educators relocate because of family or life changes; dissatisfaction with their current location, work environment, or salary; or simply a desire to see a new place.

Bara Franklin, an eighth-grade science teacher in Chesterfield County, Virginia, is a perfect example. Two years ago, Franklin moved from New Jersey to Virginia to be closer to her parents. She quickly realized, though, that her new school system didn't meet many of her personal needs. For starters, Franklin could not secure a permanent teaching certificate in Virginia, despite the 10 years of teaching experience, master's degree, and K–8 endorsement she brought with her from New Jersey. That combined with the low salary, her inability to move to the high school level, and a growing dissatisfaction with her working conditions told Franklin she needed a change. She currently is looking for a new teaching position in Illinois.

"I feel like there is a high demand for teachers in general. There seems to be a shortage everywhere," says Franklin. "Quality teachers who have experience, who are career teachers, are in demand. I hope just having that experience and qualifications behind me would be a good, attractive quality for any district."

But sometimes moving isn't an option and educators like Nela Foster know how difficult that can make the job search.

After graduating from the University of Central Oklahoma last May, Foster moved to Texas when her husband accepted a position in Fort Worth. Since then, she has worked as a substitute teacher because she has not found a full-time position in any of the surrounding school districts.

"It's disappointing and disheartening," says Foster, who wants to teach high school English. "But, I feel optimistic about the next school year. I'm substituting anywhere they will let me sub, and I'm substituting every day so I can get my foot in the door and make those contacts."

Getting Connected

In a competitive market, networking and building your contacts often mean the difference between kick-starting your career and settling for a paycheck.

Fortunately, NEA members can tap into Association resources to build those connections, which gives them an edge over other job candidates.

"You need to network with as many teachers as possible. It opens doors for you that way," says Rudy Jimenez Ortiz, president of the Student California Teachers Association (SCTA) and a preschool teaching assistant.

To encourage NEA Student members to network, SCTA holds its membership meetings in conjunction with those for Active teacher members. This way, student teachers can talk with current classroom educators about hiring trends and job openings in their districts, says Ortiz. Meanwhile, regional and national meetings such as NEA's annual Student Leadership Conference give future educators the chance to talk with experts, NEA staff, and other preservice educators about hiring trends nationwide.

"It's very important for us to go out and find out what's going on in the market," says Ortiz, a graduate of California State University San Marcos. "It varies around the state how the job market is going to be. There are still jobs out there, but now it means doing more homework."

That's good advice for veteran educators too. And your Association can help you with your research. NEA state affiliates and UniServ offices can provide information about job openings, salaries and benefits, mentoring opportunities, and new teacher induction programs in local school districts. They also help members connect with one another and offer networking opportunities through state and regional conferences.

Educators need to take responsibility for their job search as well and do everything they can to make themselves more attractive to school districts, Ortiz adds. Although state budget cuts have reduced the number of formal internships available to preservice teachers, college students can gain practical experience as school volunteers or through classroom observations, Ortiz suggests. Ortiz, for instance, has worked with preschoolers at a San Diego child development center, and with school-age and middle school students to build his qualifications.

Veteran educators likewise should tap into their experiences outside the classroom when they market themselves to school districts. Teixeira in Massachusetts, for instance, volunteers at a science museum in Boston to build his subject knowledge as he transitions from bilingual education to science.

Experience on a regional or school committee, as a district mentor, or as a coach or extracurricular activity sponsor also will distinguish a teacher from other job applicants, says Bryant at AAEE.

Educators should attend professional development programs through their school districts and their Association as well to learn about the latest education research and new teaching strategies. That knowledge is sure to set them apart from the competition.

"If you bring that type of experience and you are informed and well-rounded, you will be able to choose where you want to work because so many districts are going to want those qualifications," says Ortiz. "You can't let budget cuts stop you. If this is what you truly want to do, you'll find a way."

Job Search Savy

Start Early
If you wait until May to start your job search, chances are you still will be searching in August. Most school systems accept applications year-round, although December and January are especially good months to apply. Early birds beat the rush and get their names into a school system's database long before the competition, which means they'll get advance notice about spring job fairs.

Get Online
It's almost impossible to look for a job today without using the Internet. Many states have universal applications available online that allow job candidates to submit a single application electronically to every district in the state. You also can find job postings, certification requirements, salary information, and even job search advice on the Web.

Call Your Friends
Everyone knows that finding a job is sometimes more about who you know than what you know. So build a solid network of fellow educators who can give you the skinny about openings in their districts. Your state affiliate and UniServ office are good places to start to connect with other NEA members and Association resources. Don't forget to tap into your college career center, either, even if you've been in the profession for several years. The career counselors can provide job search guidance and even connect you with local contacts if you no longer live near your alma mater.

Track Everything
Keep tabs on your work experience. It will make it much easier to reconstruct your résumé later. Don't forget to highlight the types of classes you've taught (advanced placement, remedial, honors, special education), committees on which you've served, involvement in extracurricular activities or sports, awards, professional development activities (including National Board Certification), and community involvement.

Avoid Mistakes
Make sure your cover letter, résumé, and portfolio are flawless. Double check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Make sure your résumé has your current contact information. If you're still in school and include your college address and phone number on your résumé, include your post-graduation information as well. Don't forget about cell phone numbers and e-mail addresses either. You don't want to miss out on a job because the school district couldn't find you.

Be Professional
Make sure your answering machine or voicemail has a simple conservative message. A casual, boisterous, or off-the-wall greeting may be popular with your friends, but probably will turn off an employer—and cost you an interview. Return all calls promptly, even if you've accepted another position. If you have to leave a message, be courteous, clear, and concise and avoid using slang. The same goes for all written correspondence, including e-mail.

*Computed from NEA Research, Estimates Database. Figures from 2002-03 are also available.